Grand Rapids Community Collegehttp://grcc.edu
enFive GRCC faculty-student teams compete for service learning awardshttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/fivegrccfacultystudentteamscompeteforservicelearningawards
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>616-234-4213</p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>March 2, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— The five service learning projects competing for Grand Rapids Community College’s Armen Awards cover disciplines, ranging from culinary arts to computer applications.</p>
<p>Longtime GRCC supporter Armen Oumedian created and funds the awards for excellence in service learning. The awards, now in their fifth year, are part of his commitment to innovative thinking, a passion that has already led him to create several scholarships. In the Armen Awards competition, faculty members lead students in designing and completing service projects to benefit community organizations. The projects must fulfill course requirements while meeting a community need.</p>
<p>The teams’ work with the community groups will culminate with a celebration from 3-5 p.m. April 24 at the Kendall College of Art and Design’s Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, 17 Pearl St. NW. The top three teams will receive awards.</p>
<p>“I enjoy the ability to reward others, especially those who have demonstrated their willingness to challenge and improve their teaching practices while making an impact on the lives of others,” said Oumedian, retired senior vice president of Pinnacle Automation. "Students today need opportunities to apply their learning. I’m glad GRCC provides students with opportunities to participate in service learning.”</p>
<p>The teams and their community partners are:</p>
<ul><li>Drew Rozema and students in his Mobile Application Development and Security course will partner with the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts to create a mobile application that will give the public information about food booths, venue acts and other festival happenings.</li>
<li>Bob Schultz and students in his Table Service course created a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Michigan.</li>
<li>Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood and students in her Introduction to Journalism course are working with Hospice of Michigan to write a series of stories documenting the lives of those who seek the organization’s services.</li>
<li>Katie VanderMeer and students in her Introduction to Computer Programming course are teaching Orchard View Elementary fifth-graders the fundamentals of coding.</li>
<li>Sherry Knoppers and students in her Community Transcultural Nursing course have teamed up with North End Community Ministry to help its food pantry better promote health and disease prevention.</li>
</ul><p>“It’s always interesting to see what our faculty can come up with," said Michael Schavey, director of GRCC’s department of experiential learning. “This year, we have new disciplines and community organizations participating — again demonstrating the value of community engagement throughout our curricula.”</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Mar 2015 16:52:49 +0000jkmurray13564 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/fivegrccfacultystudentteamscompeteforservicelearningawards#commentsState grant to update, expand GRCC programshttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/stategranttoupdateexpandgrccprograms
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p><a href="tel:6162344213">616-234-4213</a></p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>State grant to update, expand GRCC programs</strong></p>
<p><strong>Feb. 26, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.</strong> -- The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has awarded a $2.9 million grant that will allow Grand Rapids Community College to purchase equipment for its machine tool, welding, HVAC, and automotive programs, as well as a new craft beer program. The grant will be combined with the college’s $983,309.41 in matching funds -- approximately $700,000 of which was provided by two donors who are interested in culinary and manufacturing education -- for the $3.9 million total project cost.</p>
<p>“This serious investment — one of the largest of its kind in the country – will tap our top-notch community colleges and help new students and adults looking for new opportunities gain the skills sought by companies looking to grow and expand, creating more and better jobs in Michigan,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a press release announcing the grant this week.</p>
<p>GRCC President Dr. Steven C. Ender said the grant will help meet area employers' need for workers with sophisticated technical knowledge. "The state's generous support will help us prepare more students to enter the workforce and make a positive difference for employers seeking talent," Ender said. "The funding will help us make sure that our students have hands-on experience on the most advanced technological equipment and tools available. We will also be able to add new programs to meet changing industry demands."</p>
<p>The grant will fund new equipment for these programs:</p>
<p><strong>Welding</strong> – Among the purchases will be state-of-the-art "virtual welders," which allow students to learn new techniques without using additional materials such as steel or aluminum. The college will also use the new equipment to create an accelerated training program to meet immediate workforce needs and to offer additional American Welding Society credentials to students.</p>
<p><strong>Tooling and manufacturing</strong> – A new machine tool lab at the Tassell M-TEC facility on Godfrey Avenue SW and new equipment for the existing labs at the main campus and the Lakeshore’s Thompson M-TEC will allow the creation of a “Machine Tool Boot Camp” and expand the popular Advanced Manufacturing Partnership scholarship program. In the AMP program, a collaboration between GRCC, West Michigan manufacturers and MiWorks Region 4, a student works at a sponsoring company to obtain the on-the-job training while the company pays for classes that lead to an associate degree in tooling and manufacturing. The college will also offer additional credentialing to students.</p>
<p><strong>Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration technology</strong> – New equipment will allow GRCC to add training in variable refrigerant flow and supermarket refrigeration systems, which area employers have requested.</p>
<p><strong>Automotive technology</strong> – Equipment purchases here will include GRCC's first electric demonstration vehicle, a Chevy Volt. The college will also add the Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Specialist certification.</p>
<p><strong>Craft brew management</strong> – GRCC will create a craft beer instructional lab for the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education’s new one-year certificate program, which area employers have requested.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:41:17 +0000jkmurray13559 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/stategranttoupdateexpandgrccprograms#commentsGRCC Players present From White Plainshttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccplayerspresentfromwhiteplains
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>616-234-4213</p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>GRCC Players present <em>From White Plains</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Feb. 24, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— Grand Rapids Community College’s GRCC Players tackle bullying, compassion and suicide in their latest production.</p>
<p>GRCC theater program director Tom Kaechele will direct GRCC students in Michael Perlman's <em>From White Plains</em>, which runs at 8 p.m. Feb. 26 to 28 at Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. A complimentary dessert reception will follow the opening night performance. This production is a collaboration with StandOUT, and part of the proceeds will benefit this GRCC student organization.</p>
<p>Admission is $5 for students and $10 for the public. Call (616) 234-3946 for information and to purchase tickets.</p>
<p>When a filmmaker calls out a bully from high school during his Academy Award acceptance speech, he begins an anti-bullying campaign that quickly spirals out of control. <em>From White Plains</em> examines compulsion and compassion through the eyes of four men connected to a suicide. GRCC students Robbie Ellis, Jerry Jones, Kenneth Judge and Myles Messinger-Platt star in the play.</p>
<p>“A lot of the enjoyment I get out of a show comes from working with new people that I wouldn’t normally work or hang out with," Judge said. "This show has had no shortage of new and amazing people and I’m grateful for that.”</p>
<p>The production staff includes: Alex Denison, assistant director; Bill Dunckel, costume design; David Johnson, light design; Kendra Jones, stage manager; Rachel Kieras, properties design; Steve Nardin, sound design; and Christian Poquette, set design.</p>
<p>GRCC encourages the entire community to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate a need for an accommodation, or have questions about accessibility, please call the Spectrum Theater box office at (616) 234-3946 in advance of your visit.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:49:04 +0000jkmurray13549 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccplayerspresentfromwhiteplains#commentsGRCC, Aquinas sign articulation agreement for honors programshttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccaquinassignarticulationagreementforhonorsprograms
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p><a href="tel:6162344213">616-234-4213</a></p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Katy McAvoy</p>
<p><a href="tel:6166322824">616-632-2824</a></p>
<p><a href="mailto:moorekat@aquinas.edu">moorekat@aquinas.edu</a></p>
<strong>Feb. 19, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— Grand Rapids Community and Aquinas colleges recently signed an articulation agreement that will give GRCC Honors Program students a seamless transfer to Aquinas' Insignis program.
<p>“GRCC is proud to collaborate with Aquinas in supporting academically talented students,” said President Dr. Steven C. Ender. “Our Honors program students are now assured of a clear path to Aquinas’ program, and Aquinas knows that they’re prepared to excel.”</p>
<p>Established in 2004, GRCC's Honors program provides an enhanced learning environment for high-achieving students through honors courses, opportunities for community engagement and Study Away trips.</p>
<p>Under the new agreement, GRCC students will be able to automatically transfer all credits from GRCC honors courses into Aquinas' highly regarded Insignis Honors program. Insignis students must maintain a 3.5 or higher grade-point average, complete honors work in at least 20 percent of their required coursework, perform 15 hours of community service each semester, and complete a senior project, among other requirements, to earn the credential upon graduation.</p>
<p>"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to providing students with pathways for continued success," said Michael Schavey, director of GRCC’s department of experiential learning. "Honors students will continue their community involvement and passion for learning at Aquinas College. Through this partnership, we are able to bridge our events and activities to ultimately create a seamless transition to Aquinas College."</p>
<p>“Aquinas has always worked with honors students transferring from GRCC, but with this agreement, we are creating a seamless process for students to transfer honors credits from one institution to the other,” said Dr. Jennifer Hess, co-director of the Insignis Program.</p>
<p>“We are very pleased that GRCC thinks highly enough of Aquinas’ Insignis program to recommend it to their students,” said Aquinas Provost Dr. Gilda Gely. “The Insignis notation on a student’s transcript is very appealing to graduate schools and employers. Aquinas Insignis students have a 100 percent acceptance rate to graduate and professional schools.”</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p>
<p>Aquinas is a Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1886 by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. The wooded, 107-acre campus is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With over 2,300 students and 60 academic programs, Aquinas College is an inclusive educational community that emphasizes career preparation, leadership, service to others and lifelong learning. Additional information on Aquinas College can be found at aquinas.edu.</p>
<p> </p></div></div></div>Thu, 19 Feb 2015 17:18:33 +0000jkmurray13536 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccaquinassignarticulationagreementforhonorsprograms#commentsContractors create internships for GRCC studentshttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/contractorscreateinternshipsforgrccstudents
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p><a href="tel:6162344213">616-234-4213</a></p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>Feb. 12, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— Contractors involved in Grand Rapids Community College’s $15 million campus-wide renovation project are building work experiences for students while creating new learning spaces.</p>
<p>Gov. Rick Snyder has declared that February is Cooperative Education and Internship Month, and more than 400 students can attest to the importance of the internships and co-op opportunities that GRCC provides. This past year, GRCC asked companies involved in the recent capital bond issue to help create on-the-job experiences for students.</p>
<p>C2AE was the first company to respond to GRCC’s request. C2AE principal Dennis Bekken, a Kalamazoo Valley Community College alumnus, said he welcomed the opportunity to help GRCC students gain workplace experience.</p>
<p>“Community college was a great avenue to a degree because I was able to fill my general education requirements in an affordable way,” he said of his time at KVCC. “I wasn’t able financially to attend U of M for six years, which is what an architecture degree requires.”</p>
<p>C2AE’s second GRCC intern, Mauricio Urtubia, started last month.</p>
<p>“I am so excited to have the opportunity to have an internship at C2AE,” said Urtubia, a native of Chile who graduates from GRCC this spring. "This company has an outstanding reputation in the architecture industry and firmly believes a good design and great planning can make a huge difference to the community.</p>
<p>“My colleagues are very patient and willing to help every time I have a question. Right now, they have me working at creating detail components for their Revit library — I have about two weeks’ worth of work just doing that!”</p>
<p>“Real world” experiences like Urtubia’s are important to both students and employers, said Susan Lichtenberg, GRCC’s internship coordinator.</p>
<p>“Internships are becoming increasingly important as our community evaluates workforce and talent demand needs,” she said. “Employers tell us they value internships as a way to develop a pipeline of talent for the future. Students appreciate being able to apply their classroom learning to real-life situations.”</p>
<p>To learn more about internships in GRCC’s School of Workforce Development, click <a href="http://www.grcc.edu/schoolofworkforcedevelopment/internships">here</a>. If you are an employer and are interested in setting up an internship, click <a href="http://www.grcc.edu/schoolofworkforcedevelopment/internships/employers">here</a>.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Thu, 12 Feb 2015 19:05:26 +0000jkmurray13523 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/contractorscreateinternshipsforgrccstudents#commentsStudents eligible for GRCC scholarship at Career Showcasehttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/studentseligibleforgrccscholarshipatcareershowcase
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>616-234-4213</p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>Feb. 11, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – </strong>Students will be able to make plans for both their short-and long-term future — and will be eligible to win a $500 scholarship — during Grand Rapids Community College’s Career Showcase on Feb. 17 and 18.</p>
<p>GRCC’s business department is hosting the third annual Career Showcase, which allows students to explore career possibilities in accounting, business and office administration, marketing, management and supervision, and fashion and interior design. Sessions will include an overview of GRCC’s Meijer Center for Business Studies, including programs of study, degree and transfer options, employment opportunities, and a time for students to ask questions.</p>
<p>“We organize this event to help our business students understand and appreciate the various careers that are available to them if they complete their program at GRCC,” said Felix Pereiro, department chairman. “While the showcase gives students a glimpse of their possible careers, they also will attend sessions designed to help them plan the immediate steps they’ll need to take to train for these jobs.”</p>
<p>Students who attend the sessions and complete an evaluation form will be eligible for a drawing to win a $500 scholarship to use at GRCC.</p>
<p>Sessions start at 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on both days and will be held in the Meijer Center for Business Studies (on the second floor of the Main Building at 143 Bostwick Ave NE). If you anticipate a need for an accommodation, or have questions about accessibility, please call GRCC’s business department at (616) 234-4220 in advance of your visit.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Wed, 11 Feb 2015 17:38:48 +0000jkmurray13520 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/studentseligibleforgrccscholarshipatcareershowcase#commentsGRCC culinary student vies for spot in national competitionhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccculinarystudentviesforspotinnationalcompetition
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p><a href="tel:6162344213">616-234-4213</a></p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>Feb. 4, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— A student from Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education will face off against peers from eight other schools in the S. Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition.</p>
<p>Megan Garstecki and coach Sasha Ahmed will travel to SD26 restaurant in New York City for the Northeast regional competition on Feb. 8 and 9. Winners of the five regional competitions will advance to the national competition, which will be held in March in Napa Valley, Calif.</p>
<p>Garstecki, from St. Joseph, is pursuing a culinary management degree at SICE and plans to graduate next year. She then plans to get a degree in certified dietary management at Ferris State University with the goal of becoming a dietician in either a hospital or nursing home.</p>
<p>“I think this competition will help to open many doors to my career — not only through networking and forming lasting relationships with my chef-instructors, fellow classmates and coach, but also with giving me the experience in creating a dish from start to finish that looks as good as it tastes,” she said. “My goal as a dietitian is to provide healthy and delicious recipes that people actually want to eat. This competition has also given me a sense of pride to be able to represent all of the amazing people involved in the SICE program.”</p>
<p>While the national competition will be a challenge, Ahmed said Garstecki already has proven that she has skills and endurance.</p>
<p>“Megan had to go through two rounds of rigorous tryouts up against 19 other students to come out on top and represent our department,” said Ahmed, an assistant professor at SICE. “Since then, she has had to create and develop a dish for her competition, and comes in at 7 a.m. at least three mornings a week to perfect it.”</p>
<p>Of the almost 700 Title IX culinary schools nationwide, only a few are invited to participate in the competition hosted by the international beverage company. This is the third year that SICE has competed.</p>
<p>“The whole process of competing in hot food competitions is a great way for our students to push themselves and gain valuable life and work skills that they would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere,” Ahmed said.</p>
<p>The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education offers associate degrees in the culinary arts with culinary, culinary management, baking and pastry arts, and personal chef tracks, as well as personal chef, and baking and pastry arts certifications. To learn more about SICE, click <a href="http://www.grcc.edu/secchiainstituteforculinaryeducationsice">here</a>.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:37:25 +0000jkmurray13503 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccculinarystudentviesforspotinnationalcompetition#commentsGRCC architecture talk to focus on ‘Pretty Ugly’http://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccarchitecturetalktofocusonprettyugly
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>616-234-4213</p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>Feb. 2, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— The head of Lawrence Technological University’s architecture department will look at the value of the homely, accidental, risky and inconvenient in a Feb. 11 talk at Grand Rapids Community College.</p>
<p>Scott Shall, chairman of LTU’s architecture department, will deliver a talk entitled “Pretty Ugly” at 6:30 p.m. in room 124 of GRCC’s Wisner-Botrall Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St. NE. The public is welcome to attend.</p>
<p>David Dye, a GRCC professor of mechanical and architectural design, will host the event. Additionally, he and Shall will talk about a recently signed articulation agreement between LTU and GRCC. This latest agreement is an evolution of a partnership dating to 2011 that allows a student to start the first two years of LTU’s Master of Architecture program at GRCC.</p>
<p>“This is a unique opportunity for students to start a Master of Architecture degree at a community college,” Dye said. “You can use this degree to become a professional architect.”</p>
<p>The new five-year articulation agreement includes changes to align the degree and the courses to guidelines of the new Michigan Transfer Agreement. Also, Integrated Design Studios 1 and 2 will now be offered at Lawrence Tech in Southfield during the summer semesters, instead of on GRCC’s campus.</p>
<p>Students who complete their associate degree at GRCC and the Integrated Design Studios can transfer as a junior into LTU’s Master of Architecture program.</p>
<p>Shall and Dye will be available for questions about the program before and after the lecture. You can also contact Dye at (616) 234-3658 or <a href="mailto:ddye@grcc.edu">ddye@grcc.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Shall is founding director of the nonprofit International Design Clinic, which performs design work with communities in need around the world. Since it was founded in 2006, the IDC has completed more than a dozen projects on four continents, including: an urban tent for the homeless made of reclaimed water bottles, a school system based upon the vending architectures of Bolivia that is tailored to meet the needs of the street children of La Paz, and a $2 water filtration system.</p>
<p>Dye has taught architecture classes at GRCC for more than 15 years. Since 2009, students in his Sustainable Residential Design class have worked with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County to create houses. A student-designed home recently was built for Habitat by GRCC’s Residential Construction class.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:42:59 +0000jkmurray13499 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccarchitecturetalktofocusonprettyugly#commentsGRCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership hosts open houseshttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccsadvancedmanufacturingpartnershiphostsopenhouses
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>616-234-4213</p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>Jan. 30, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— Get your start on a manufacturing career by earning money while learning on the job and getting a college degree without paying for tuition!</p>
<p>So far, 64 full-ride scholarships have been paid for by companies participating in the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, a collaboration between Grand Rapids Community College, West Michigan manufacturers and MiWorks Region 4.</p>
<p>Students and their families can learn more about this unique program as well as manufacturing career opportunities during AMP open houses next month. The open houses will take place:</p>
<ul><li>5:30-8 p.m. Feb. 5 at Steelcase’s wood plant, 4100 68th St. SE in Kentwood.</li>
<li>5:30-8 p.m. Feb. 9 at Herman Miller, 855 E. Main Ave. in Zeeland.</li>
</ul><p>The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership is unique in that the participating companies work with GRCC to determine the curriculum and schedule. All the AMP “classes” are run in a cohort fashion, with classes scheduled and reserved specifically for students in the program.</p>
<p>“The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership is a great opportunity for anyone with mechanical aptitude who’s interested in hands-on learning,” said Amy Koning, associate dean of operations for GRCC’s School of Workforce Development. “A student receives on-the-job training with their sponsoring company and a free associate degree — plus, it will put you on a manufacturing career path that is unlimited!”</p>
<p>This fall, GRCC had the biggest cohort to date, with 21 students. AMP students have historically risen to the top: Of the most recent graduating class, all were on the Dean’s List, requiring a 3.5 to 3.99 grade-point average, at least once; 83 percent of them were on the President’s List, which requires a 4.0, at least once. Another cohort, with 20 students, is scheduled to start this fall. To learn more about the AMP program, click <a href="http://www.grcc.edu/manufacturing/advancedmanufacturingpartnershipamp">here</a>.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:31:06 +0000jkmurray13498 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/grccsadvancedmanufacturingpartnershiphostsopenhouses#commentsTrayvon Martin’s mother to speak at GRCChttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/trayvonmartinsmothertospeakatgrcc
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Leah Nixon</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>616-234-4213</p>
<p><a href="mailto:lnixon@grcc.edu">lnixon@grcc.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>Trayvon Martin’s mother to speak at GRCC</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jan. 9, 2015, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. </strong>— The mother of Trayvon Martin will serve as the keynote speaker for Grand Rapids Community College's commemoration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 19.</p>
<p>GRCC will join Davenport and Grand Valley State universities in hosting events to celebrate the civil rights leader’s legacy.</p>
<p>Events on GRCC's campus start at noon with a Community Peace March that leaves from Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St. NE. The march ends back at the fieldhouse for a 12:30 p.m. program, which will be led by board of trustees Chairperson Bert Bleke and Jaedah Pickens, president of GRCC’s Black Student Union.</p>
<p>“This peace march is a way for the GRCC and communities across west Michigan to publicly commemorate Dr. King's legacy and to encourage all of us to find ways to carry on his work for social justice," Bleke said.</p>
<p>Silent marches are also scheduled for 1 p.m. on GVSU's Allendale campus and at 12:30 p.m. at Davenport's Lettinga campus.</p>
<p>The keynote address by Sybrina Fulton, on "Encouraging Our Youth," will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the fieldhouse. Fulton has become a spokeswoman for parents and concerned citizens nationwide since the shooting death of her 17-year-old son in 2012 by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain in Florida. She started the Trayvon Martin Foundation to create awareness of how violent crime affects families and to provide support for them.</p>
<p>All events are free and open to the public. If you anticipate a need for an accommodation or have questions about accessibility, please call the Student Life office at (616) 234-3531 in advance of your participation.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.</p></div></div></div>Mon, 12 Jan 2015 14:12:52 +0000MPowers13479 at http://grcc.eduhttp://grcc.edu/communications/press/trayvonmartinsmothertospeakatgrcc#comments